Graceland

Travelers wishing for an independent tour experience have several ticket options to choose from, including a mansion-only tour (led by John Stamos on an iPad) and comprehensive Graceland tickets that offer access to the Presley Motors Automobile Museum (home of Elvis’ 1955 pink Cadillac), Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, and the Elvis Discovery Exhibits. Guided tours of the mansion offer the added benefit of round-trip transportation from Memphis or Nashville, while VIP tour upgrades include skip-the-line access to the mansion.

• Set aside three to four hours for a full visit.

• Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted on tours.

• Flash-free photography is allowed.

• Most visitor facilities are fully accessible for wheelchair users.

• Dining options include Vernon’s Smokehouse and the Jungle Room.

• Some tickets are discounted for youth ages 5-10 and free for those 4 and under.

• The Graceland Exhibition Center hosts traveling exhibits from around the world.

Graceland is located in Southern Memphis, just west of the airport. While a guided tour with transport is the most convenient way to visit, it’s also possible to reach the mansion via the free Sun Studio shuttle bus, which runs every hour between Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum.

It’s best to visit Graceland on weekday afternoons during the shoulder season (September to April) when lines are shorter and the mansion is less crowded. Expect long lines on holidays, summer weekends, on Elvis’ birthday (January 8), and during Elvis Week (mid-August).

In 1975, Elvis bought a 1958 Convair 880, which he named Lisa Marie after his daughter. For an extra fee, Graceland visitors can climb aboard the fully remodeled jet, complete with gold-plated seat belts, gold-flecked sinks, and suede chairs, and get a look at how The King traveled in style.

Since summers can get so hot around the Memphis area, most visitors aim for a Graceland visit during April and May or October and November. That being said, if you’re happy with 40–55ºF (4–12ºC) temperatures, November–February can be a great time to avoid the crowds—plus you might catch Graceland decked out for the holidays.

Most visitors will take about 60 to 90 minutes to tour the Graceland mansion, depending on their interest level. If you’re also interested in the add-ons—like the on-site car museum, Elvis Presley’s jet collection, or the gift shop—you can expect your Graceland experience to last anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Technically, yes, you can walk around certain areas of Graceland’s grounds for free—the meditation garden (with the graves of Elvis and his family) is regularly open at certain times of day, usually in the morning. You can also access the nearby Graceland Plaza and Crossing. To get inside the mansion proper, however, you’ll have to buy a ticket.

Whether or not Graceland is worth the money depends on your budget—and your interest levels in all things Elvis and pop culture. Ticket prices range anywhere from $80–$215 for adults; if you’re comfortable skipping the Graceland mansion and just want to experience Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex, tickets are notably less expensive.

Most visitors are satisfied with a few hours to explore the Graceland mansion, the car museum, and the grounds (which include the Presley family graves). That being said, die-hard Elvis fans may want to stay the night at the on-site Guest House at Graceland, eat at Elvis Presley’s Memphis, and explore Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex.

Many visitors are most excited to tour Elvis Presley’s former home, the Graceland mansion, and its grounds—which include the meditation garden and the Presley family graves. If you’re a serious Elvis fan, you’ll also want to tour the on-site car museum, get a look at Elvis’ jets, and explore the art and entertainment exhibits at Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex.